Reversible Infrared Actuation of Carbon Nanotube–Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Nanocomposites

Yang, Liqiang; Setyowati, Kristina; Li, An; Gong, Shaoqin; Chen, Jian

doi:10.1002/adma.200702953

Cited by 198 publications

(151 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…21 The absorbed thermal energy then raises the internal temperature, melting the strain-induced TPU polymer crystallites, which act as physical cross-links that secure the deformed shape, and remotely triggers the shape recovery. 1,16 The IR-triggered actuation behavior of isocyanate-graphene/ TPU and reduced-graphene/TPU films was also investigated, but much poorer overall performance was observed. As presented in Figure 3c, the sulfonated-graphene/TPU responded and contracted faster than the isocyanate-graphene/TPU film, and the shape recovery rate of sulfonated-graphene/TPU film was about 15% larger than that of the isocyanate-graphene/TPU film (see Figure S1).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Moreover, as can be seen in Figure 4b, both the energy densities and the shape recovery rate increased with increasing graphene loading. Since more sulfonatedgraphene nanofillers correspond to more nanoscale heater, 16 higher thermal energy would be generated in the composites with higher loading, which thus could lead to better IR-induced actuation performance. 16 However, this increased IR-triggered actuation performance with more loading was only observed up to a limit (1 wt %).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The latest results 16,21,24 including our own studies 31 have demonstrated that the efficacious use of graphene in polymer nanocomposites is strongly correlated with the ability to disperse them homogeneously in a polymer matrix without destroying their integrity of graphitic network. Perfect graphene does not exist naturally, but bulk and aqueous or organic solution processable functionalized graphene materials can now be prepared easily.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…With this strategy, the addition of distinctly different nanofillers to polymeric actuator matrix may exploit synergism between the nanofillers and the polymers and may impart a novel and prominent actuation behavior as well as superb enhancement of overall performance. 1,2,15,16 Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which possesses the ability to store and efficiently recover large strains by application of prearranged thermal stimuli because of its two-phase structure: a thermally reversible phase responsible for fixing a transient shape and a frozen phase responsible for recovering the original shape, 1,6,7,17,18 is one of the most widely used polymeric thermal-induced actuator materials. Unfortunately, TPU, which is essentially infrared (IR) transparent, does not show IR-induced actuation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Infrared-Triggered Actuators from Graphene-Based Nanocomposites

et al. 2009

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The emerging field of optical-triggered actuators based on polymeric nanocomposite continues to be the focus of considerable research in recent years because of their scientific and technological significance. In principle, dispersing nanofiller with unique characteristics in polymer matrix can not only provide superb enhancement of performance but also afford novel actuation schemes to the systems. Graphene, combining its unusual electrical, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties, can provide the ability to act as "energy transfer" and trigger unit in the realm of nanocomposite actuators. Herein, we demonstrate a new dimension to this 2D nanoscale material by showing the excellent light-triggered acutation of its thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites with significantly enhanced mechanical properties. These nanocomposite actuators with 1 wt % loading of sulfonated functionalized graphene sheets (sulfonated-graphene) exhibit repeatable infraredtriggered actuation performance which can strikingly contract and lift a 21.6 g weight 3.1 cm with 0.21 N of force on exposure to infrared light and demonstrate estimated energy densities of over 0.33 J/g. Some cases can even reach as high as 0.40 J/g. Dramatic improvement in mechanical properties is also obtained for the graphene nanocomposites with homogeneous dispersion. As the concentration of sulfonated-graphene increases, its nanocomposites show significantly enhanced mechanical properties, that is, the Young's modulus increases by 120% at only 1 wt % loading. Moreover, through comparative study of three kinds of graphene materials, it is found that this infrared-triggered actuation property is principally dependent on the integrity of the aromatic network of graphene and on its dispersion state within the matrix.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Infrared-Triggered Actuators from Graphene-Based Nanocomposites

et al. 2009

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“…Liquid crystal-based systems are wellknown for their light response, triggering the transisomer switch referred to earlier. For LCEs, polymer systems and hydrogels, the addition of nanoparticle composites with tuned plasmon resonances have been shown to add photo-response by triggering heating [109,152,153].…”

Section: Lightmentioning

confidence: 99%

Morphing in nature and beyond: a review of natural and synthetic shape-changing materials and mechanisms

2016

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Shape-changing materials open an entirely new solution space for a wide range of disciplines: from architecture that responds to the environment and medical devices that unpack inside the body, to passive sensors and novel robotic actuators. While synthetic shape-changing materials are still in their infancy, studies of biological morphing materials have revealed key paradigms and features which underlie efficient natural shape-change. Here, we review some of these insights and how they have been, or may be, translated to artificial solutions. We focus on soft matter due to its prevalence in nature, compatibility with users and potential for novel design. Initially, we review examples of natural shape-changing materials-skeletal muscle, tendons and plant tissues-and compare with synthetic examples with similar methods of operation. Stimuli to motion are outlined in general principle, with examples of their use and potential in manufactured systems. Anisotropy is identified as a crucial element in directing shape-change to fulfil designed tasks, and some manufacturing routes to its achievement are highlighted. We conclude with potential directions for future work, including the simultaneous development of materials and manufacturing techniques and the hierarchical combination of effects at multiple length scales.

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Electroactive Polymer Actuators

Ismail

Shabeeba

Sidheekha

et al. 2023

Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology

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Electroactive polymers (EAPs) have emerged as feasible materials to emulate biological muscles due to their ability to undergo significant changes in shape or size in response to electrical stimulation. They have received immense consideration in various fields of applications such as robotics, biomimetics, wearable electronics, prosthetics, optical devices, and so on owing to their mechanical flexibility, easy processing, light weight, low density, fracture tolerance, pliability, and the ability to induce large actuation strains than other conventional mechanically responsive polymers. Electronic EAPs including dielectric elastomers, ferroelectric polymers, liquid crystal elastomers, and electrostrictive graft polymers are driven by electric fields or Coulomb forces and require high voltage for activation. While ionic EAPs such as ionic polymer metal composites, ionic gels, conducting polymers, carbon nanotubes, and electrorheological fluids are driven by the drifting or diffusion of ions and operate at lower voltages. The emphasis in this article is on the studies of key materials used in the field of electroactive polymer actuators, reviewing the mechanism that drives the actuation, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, and discussing their applications.

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Reversible Infrared Actuation of Carbon Nanotube–Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Nanocomposites

Cited by 198 publications

References 31 publications

Infrared-Triggered Actuators from Graphene-Based Nanocomposites

Infrared-Triggered Actuators from Graphene-Based Nanocomposites

Morphing in nature and beyond: a review of natural and synthetic shape-changing materials and mechanisms

Electroactive Polymer Actuators

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